Note: If you decide to substitute store-bought meatballs for homemade, you may want to resize them (packaged ones tend to be large). Cut the large meatballs in half and reroll them into a ball that is better suited for a soup bowl. From “300 Sensational Soups,” by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds.

In large pot, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, celery, salt, basil and oregano; sauté until vegetables begin to soften and mushrooms have released their liquid, about 5 minutes.

Add stock and bring to boil. Carefully add meatballs and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and bring soup to a boil. Stir in orzo and boil until tender, about 8 minutes. Add parsley, lemon juice, cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until onion is softened, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

In large bowl, using your hands, combine onion mixture, beef, veal, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt, basil, oregano and pepper. To taste for seasoning, heat a small skillet over medium heat and fry a spoon-sized patty until no longer pink. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, if necessary. Roll into small meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Nutrition information per 4 meatballs:

Calories 210 Fat 13 g Sodium 720 mg

Carbohydrates 5 g Saturated fat 4 g Calcium 76 mg

Protein 18 g Cholesterol 82 mg Dietary fiber 1 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: ½ other carb, 2½ lean meat, 1 fat.

White Bean, Chicken and Pesto Soup √

Serves 8.

Note: Think of this as a “from the pantry” soup. Substitute any kind of canned bean or leftover meat, such as ham, pork or beef. The vinegar at the end of cooking heightens the flavor. From “300 Sensational Soups,” by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds.

Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, to make a roux.

Add stock, milk, onion and broccoli and stir well. Turn up the heat and allow mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let mixture cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes. Purée until smooth in 2 batches in a stand blender, or with a hand-held blender.

Return to pot and add the Cheddar, stirring until cheese is melted. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with a heaping tablespoon of Parmesan or sour cream, if desired.